The president of the Australasian College Emergency Medicine Dr Anthony Cross said he was concerned anything that impeded access to a GP could increase demand in emergency departments and make it harder for them to meet government targets to treat patients within four hours.

"Emergency departments are increasingly busy and we have large numbers of complex and ill patients waiting for a bed," he said.

"GP type patients may end up waiting long periods and that will put increased pressure on hospitals," he said.

Political risk ... the AMA is urging the Abbott Government to discuss any proposals for a GP charge with doctors.Source:Supplied